Booking.com has introduced a credit card aimed at its users. The Genius Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card allows cardholders to earn travel credits on bookings made through the platform as well as on certain everyday purchases.

Applicants can check their approval status without affecting their credit score, although a hard inquiry will be made if the offer is accepted.

A Booking.com account, which can be created for free, is required to apply.

The card carries no annual fee and offers US$150 in travel credits for new cardholders who spend US$1,500 within the first 90 days.

Those who spend US$15,000 or more in a year receive an additional US$100 in travel credits annually.

Cardholders are automatically upgraded to Booking.com’s highest loyalty tier, Genius Level 3, which includes discounts on selected stays, free breakfast, room upgrades and priority support.

Rewards are earned in the form of travel credits that can be redeemed towards eligible bookings, including flights, accommodation, car rentals, attractions and airport taxis through Booking.com.

The rate of return varies depending on the purchase, with higher rates for transactions made within the Booking.com app or during travel booked through the platform.

Credits are valued at one US dollar per credit and there is no minimum redemption amount.

Additional features include no foreign transaction fees and travel-related protections such as car rental cover, trip cancellation and travel accident insurance.

While the card offers strong benefits for frequent users of Booking.com, the rewards can only be used on the platform.

Travellers seeking greater flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards may find a general travel credit card more suitable.

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